10 Hot Tips on How to Get the Most out of Your Travel
Travel is back but travel has changed. Big time. You need to change with the times. That is why we are giving you 10 free hot tips on how to get the most out of your travel. When you get travelling in Africa, you want to see incredible things, do mind-blowing things and visit special places. That is why we give you solid advice on how to do it best on your dream African holiday.
We deal in African safaris where pristine game reserves, beaches, forests, mountains and deserts offer exciting destinations to all travellers. So, check out these 10 top tips on how to get the most out of your dream trip to Africa travel and call us today to arrange your trip:
-
Meet the people who live there but respect their culture and heritage
When you come across local people in your travels, take time to get to know them. Slow down, chat a bit, watch a bit and allow yourself to be led by those who know. Most people know a bit of English, the global language, but you can still use sign language and gestures to get your messages across when communicating across cultures. Learn about new cultures and histories, lifestyles and homes. Learn how individuals spend their days, try their food and drink and see where they go to work and school. It is great to enhance our perspective about people who are different from us. BUT it is also important to respect these people and their cultures, their land, their heritage. Be careful of intruding in their space unless invited. Be careful of taking photos, being too loud, or imposing your beliefs on others. This is their land; you are the visitor.
-
Community tourism – support local economies
Make sure you support the local economy by buying local goods and supporting local tourism initiatives. Stay in people’s homes on homestays, learn about the indigenous people by staying in locally run accommodation and not huge, branded hotels. This way your money feeds families. Engage with the people, be humble and learn from them the ways of the world. They want to feel proud and make money in trustworthy ways too.
-
Zero impact on the environment is 100%
Keep your impact on the environment as close to zero as you can. Leave only footprints, take only photos. Avoid single use plastic, don’t litter, don’t waste food, be water wise, save energy, use renewable energy and reuse what you can. Be quiet, not loud, preserve nature and leave things as you found them – no harm done. Avoid travelling in large groups and don’t impose on nature or other people. Follow all rules of the country you are in, especially environmental.
-
Do what makes YOU happy
There is so much to do when you get to a new destination. Do YOU want to see all the art and history museums? Do YOU want to sunbathe all day, drink all day, walk all day? It is up to you to plan your days and do what YOU want to do. This could mean splitting up with friends or fellow travellers for a bit. Be careful of where and how you spend your money. Most travellers are on a budget and need to watch their pennies. So, spend your money wisely on things like transport, accommodation, healthy cheap foods and fun activities.
-
Take many photos, back up and store everything
Record your travels with a camera and remember to upload these great memories onto your drive or Google or another immediate storage system. If your camera gets stolen, which is quite possible in the world these days, at least you have your photos stored in the internet ether. Make sure you have also backed up your passport, visas, driver’s license, birth certificate and health insurance card. This includes important phone numbers and addresses or email addresses. Anything can happen when you are travelling so be prepared and make the most of the great internet and range of Apps out there!
-
Patience is a virtue
Being patient applies a lot when you travel, especially in urban areas and third world countries. This includes places like Africa, South America and some eastern countries. Transport is slow and very full; rules and regulations differ from what you are used to at home. If you are late, miss your transport, mislay your sentimental watch, run out of money at a crucial time, hurt yourself, just relax about it. Remember to smile and hand your frustrations over to the universe. This way you learn a lot about patience and avoiding anger and confrontations.
-
Hide extra money
When you are travelling you will probably use your Visa or Master card to pay for things as this is safer and easier. But many simple destinations demand cash as there are no ATMs or banks, and technology just does not exist. Draw enough money for these situations and hide them in various secret hiding places. This way, you can tip people, buy curious, pay for extra sports and activities and get a late-night snack just when you need one.
-
Splash out and have fun
Most of us travel on a budget, staying in backpackers and guest lodges and eating cheap food off the streets. We take local public transport, we hitchhike, we camp, and we eat out of tins. Sometimes it is great to just say, now I am going to have a deep hot bath and a 5-star dinner! So that is when you book into a luxury hotel for a fantastic suite and all its modern facilities, and you eat in a fancy restaurant and even go for a massage. Next day, you can get a job as a cleaner or something to make up for it, earning the money you need to move on to the next place!
-
Less planning and luggage
Sometimes it does us more harm than good to plan our holidays down to the last hour and cent. Sometimes it is better to simply leave the next day up to providence or fate or impromptu plans. See what happens when you don’t plan. Go to a venue for fun and allow the day to unravel naturally. You may make your best friend for life or change direction on your planned trip. Travel lightly as you never know when you will need to carry that bag long distances. And you may find something you really like to take back home so you need a bit of extra room too.
-
Stay healthy and strong physically and mentally
Eat healthy foods, get enough quality sleep, drink water, use sunscreen and hats and exercise – walk a lot and do something active every day. Being mindful helps a lot – yoga, meditation, just reading and being. Find podcasts and audio books you like and use head phones to listen to them while travelling.
Don’t delay, get travelling in Africa and take heed of our ten tips to get the most from your dream African holiday. You want to have fun, be safe, and be independent. So do it. We know of all the special places to see and visit, and we have all the solid advice on how to make the most of it.